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. 2021 Jan;12(1):66-71.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2020.10.020. Epub 2020 Oct 15.

C-spine clearance in poly-trauma patients: A narrative review

Bhavuk Garg  1 , Kaustubh Ahuja  2
Affiliations

C-spine clearance in poly-trauma patients: A narrative review

Bhavuk Garg et al. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 Jan.

Erratum in

Abstract

The incidence of cervical spine injury in patients with polytrauma is 3.7%. Early identification and management of cervical spine injuries in these patients play a crucial role in preventing secondary cervical spine and cord injuries. C-spine clearance assumes a pivotal role in reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with cervical spine injury. Despite the availability of various validated management algorithms and protocols for C-spine clearance, there are several controversies regarding C-spine clearance, such as the ideal protocol and imaging modality, clearance of obtunded patients and management of patients that lie out of the described protocols and rules. The current article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the relevant literature and address the prevalent controversies.

Keywords: Canadian C-spine rule; Cervical spine clearance; Cervical spine injury; NEXUS; Paediatric C-spine clearance.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A flow chart depicting the Canadian C-spine rule for cervical spine clearance.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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